Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred is the game’s second expansion, continuing the story after Vessel of Hatred and bringing the fight against Mephisto to Skovos. Blizzard announced that every Lord of Hatred edition includes Vessel of Hatred; the Age of Hatred Collection is the option that also includes the Diablo IV base game. Blizzard announced an April 28, 2026 launch date, which has passed. Treat pre-purchase bonuses as launch-era details, and check your platform’s current store listing for live availability, price, and contents.
What Lord of Hatred adds to Diablo IV
The expansion follows the events of Vessel of Hatred and continues the campaign against Mephisto in Skovos, described by Blizzard as the original home of Lilith and Inarius. Blizzard’s feature overview describes two new classes, endgame activities, and changes to character skills and crafting.
Classes and story
Blizzard announced two new classes for the expansion. The Paladin was available immediately during the pre-purchase period; the second class was scheduled to unlock at launch. The announced launch date was April 28, 2026.
Endgame and character systems
- War Plans: Choose and modify a route through endgame activities.
- Echoing Hatred: Face an escalating wave challenge.
- Fishing: Take part in a new activity in the world of Sanctuary.
- Skill variants: Use additional variants for skills.
- Horadric Cube: Use an updated crafting system featuring the Cube.
- Talisman: Build set bonuses through a new character system.
Features announced for all players
Blizzard said the skill-tree rework and loot filter would apply across Diablo IV, whether or not a player bought Lord of Hatred. These are separate from expansion-specific content and bonuses.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- LORD OF HATRED EXPANSION — Includes Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Standard Edition and Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred. The Diablo IV base game is required to play.
- IN-GAME EXTRAS — Get 1 Extra Stash Tab, 2 Additional Character Slots, and 3 Decor Items in World of Warcraft.
- NEW CLASSES AND REGION — Master two new classes and explore the ancient region of Skovos in the Lord of Hatred expansion.
- ACTION RPG ADVENTURE — Slay demons, master abilities, explore nightmarish dungeons, and find legendary loot in a dark open world.
- NEW CAMPAIGN AGAINST MEPHISTO — Make your stand against the Prime Evil Mephisto in a rich new story featuring new enemies, regions, and narrative twists.
Lord of Hatred edition differences
Blizzard’s announced edition contents overlap on the core expansions. Deluxe and Ultimate add cosmetics and other bonuses; they do not replace the expansion content in Standard. The table reflects Blizzard’s announcement, not a live store check or current price comparison.
| Option | Announced contents | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Lord of Hatred; Vessel of Hatred; Paladin early access during the pre-purchase period; one extra stash tab; two character slots; World of Warcraft decor items. | Players who already own Diablo IV and want the expansions without the Deluxe or Ultimate cosmetic tiers. |
| Deluxe | Standard contents, plus High Heavensguard Paladin cosmetics, a Skartaran Basilisk mount bundle, a Premium Battle Pass Bundle, and the Skorch pet. | Players who specifically want these additional cosmetics and bonuses. |
| Ultimate | Deluxe contents, plus Umbral Knights armor sets, a reactive back trophy, a town portal, another mount bundle, 3,000 Platinum, and other listed items. | Players who want the largest announced cosmetic and bonus bundle. |
| Age of Hatred Collection | Diablo IV base game, Lord of Hatred, Vessel of Hatred, and listed bonuses. | New players who do not already own the base game. |
Blizzard said upgrading editions does not grant items again if they are already unlocked on the account. World of Warcraft decor requires a WoW subscription or game time; Blizzard also notes it may require World of Warcraft: Midnight in some regions.
Rank #2
- DELUXE EDITION CONTENT — Includes Vessel of Hatred Standard Edition, Lord of Hatred, the High Heavensguard Paladin Cosmetic Bundle, Skartaran Basilisk Mount Bundle, Mini Chimera Pet, and Premium Battle Pass Bundle.
- LORD OF HATRED EXPANSION — Includes Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Standard Edition and Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred. The Diablo IV base game is required to play.
- IN-GAME EXTRAS — Get 1 Extra Stash Tab, 2 Additional Character Slots, and 3 Decor Items in World of Warcraft.
- NEW CLASSES AND REGION — Master two new classes and explore the ancient region of Skovos in the Lord of Hatred expansion.
- ACTION RPG ADVENTURE — Slay demons, master abilities, explore nightmarish dungeons, and find legendary loot in a dark open world.
Does Lord of Hatred include Vessel of Hatred?
Yes. Blizzard listed Vessel of Hatred as included with every Lord of Hatred edition. The two expansions, however, require the Diablo IV base game unless you buy the Age of Hatred Collection, which includes it.
What you need to play and where it was announced
Blizzard states that the expansions require the Diablo IV base game, an internet connection, and a Battle.net account. The announced platforms were Battle.net, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Steam. Confirm current platform-specific terms in the store where you plan to buy.
Rank #3
- ULTIMATE EDITION CONTENT — Includes Vessel of Hatred Standard Edition, Lord of Hatred, Ultimate Edition cosmetic bundles, a Premium Battle Pass Bundle, and 3,000 Platinum.
- LORD OF HATRED EXPANSION — Includes Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Standard Edition and Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred. The Diablo IV base game is required to play.
- IN-GAME EXTRAS — Get 1 Extra Stash Tab, 2 Additional Character Slots, and 3 Decor Items in World of Warcraft.
- NEW CLASSES AND REGION — Master two new classes and explore the ancient region of Skovos in the Lord of Hatred expansion.
- ACTION RPG ADVENTURE — Slay demons, master abilities, explore nightmarish dungeons, and find legendary loot in a dark open world.
What to check before buying now
The announced April 28, 2026 launch date has passed, so the Paladin early-access offer is a historical pre-purchase detail rather than a promise about current availability. Blizzard’s announcements establish the edition contents and requirements, but not present-day regional pricing, store availability, or whether a particular retailer has stock.
- Check the platform and storefront: an edition or listing may be specific to one platform.
- Confirm whether you already own the Diablo IV base game; otherwise, compare the Age of Hatred Collection.
- Verify that the listing includes both expansions and identify any cosmetic, Platinum, or battle-pass extras.
- Compare the current price of each available edition before paying for bonuses you may not want.
Blizzard’s announcement of the expansion and its contents is available in Stand Against Mephisto: Pre-Purchase Lord of Hatred. The announced platforms and feature overview were also covered by Xbox Wire.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
